Narrowing an 8 1/4" rear end, how is it done?

Sorry, but I had to laugh at the shock plate. It might just work OK, but it reminded me of the E-body air shocks the previous owner "adapted" to my Trans Am by welding a bolt to the bottom of the lower eyering. As if that wasn't enough, he then welded the bolt to the shock plate after securing it with a nut--a nut which he then welded to both the bolt and the the other sideof the shock mount. I guess in his world, bushings were for the weak and old. :p
Yeah, that's a little sketchier than I realized. I've spent most of my time so far on the top side car fixing a few issues.

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